§ 27. Mr. Millanasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the total number of headquarters staff employed in his Department; and how many of them are located in development areas.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe total number of headquarters staff employed in the Ministry of Defence is approximately 20,800 of which some 3,100 are Service personnel. Less than 100 are located in the development areas.
§ Mr. MillanIs that not a scandalous state of affairs? Why should not a large number of these civil servants be located outside London, and especially in the development areas? Following the Hard-man Report, will the hon. Gentleman give a pledge that there will be a large-scale dispersal of Ministry of Defence personnel out of London and into the development areas?
§ Mr. GilmourI do not think that it is a scandalous state of affairs. As the hon. Gentleman knows, quite a lot of headquarters staffs have been dispersed away from London, and the Ministry of Defence is taking part in a location of Government review which is now taking place. The review co-ordinator will be reporting by the end of the year.